Publication: ph16052012

A water colour painting of Percy's Mill picked up in a junk shop will hang in the Petone Library thanks to a gift by local identity Vera Ellen who has just received a QSO for service to the community.

 I was delighted to receive the painting from Vera who was a former matron of Hutt Hospital and honorary nurse to a Governor General, Sir Denis Blundell. The painting was presented on behalf of her late brother Tom who had wished that it be hung in the Petone Library for the pleasure of Petone residents.

 The undated water colour was a depiction of the 100-year-old mill prior to its destruction by fire in 1945 and I thanked Vera for bringing it home to Petone. Vera was accompanied by her sister-in-law Kate Ellen.

The library has a lot of information about Percy’s Mill and it is fitting that the painting is in the library.

Council will soon be hearing public submission on the Long Term Plan which closed off to the public on Wednesday, May 16. Council will listen to submitters over two days, on 22 and 23 May.  Receiving feedback on the plan is an important task for council and ensures that the public voice is heard and acknowledged before final decisions are made on the plan.

Petone Rotary were warm hosts when I was invited to outline the future vision for Petone and the city.  It was an opportunity to talk about the plan and proposals to keep the average rates rise to around 1.8 per cent for this coming financial year.

We are also planning a business stimulus package to encourage business to establish themselves within Petone and the Lower Hutt. There has also been a lot of discussion about the future local government structures and the possibility of amalgamation.

We are planning to engage with the community as the voice of our residents is important in making recommendations that affect their future representation at the council level.

Many of you would have seen the decision to seek public comment on a proposed plan change to encourage commercial and residential development in the Petone West area.  Residents will be informed of the consultation and I encourage everyone to have their say.

And finally, we have the new five star accommodation block, BJ’s, along the waterfront which will encourage travellers to the area and help promote Petone.

Till next time.

Ray Wallace

Mayor Lower Hutt

Remember you can contact my office on 570 6846, email me at ray.wallace@huttcity.govt.nz or follow me on Facebook.